upcoming changes in eligibility rules. From November 2026, new regulations will alter how claimants are assessed for the daily living portion of PIP, which is designed to help those living with long-term health conditions or disabilities with the added costs of their care.
New Rules Impacting Claimants
Under the new eligibility rule, claimants must score at least one point on a 4-point scale to qualify for the daily living portion of PIP.
Currently, to qualify for the lower rate, claimants must accumulate at least 8 points, and for the higher rate, 12 points.
This change could result in around 1.2 million people losing their benefits, with many affected by long-standing health conditions.
Here, we explore the 19 health conditions that are most likely to face cuts, as indicated by the latest DWP figures. These figures offer a clear understanding of the potential impact on individuals with certain conditions.
Health Conditions Most Affected by PIP Cuts
The following table outlines the 19 health conditions most likely to be affected by the upcoming PIP cuts.
The table includes the percentage of claimants at risk of losing their payments and the total number of claimants impacted by these cuts.
| Health Condition | Percentage Losing Out | Number of Claimants Losing Out | Total Claimants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Back Pain | 79% | 154,000 | 194,000 |
| Arthritis | 77% | 214,000 | 279,000 |
| Other Regional Musculoskeletal Diseases | 71% | 97,000 | 136,000 |
| Chronic Pain Syndromes | 68% | 118,000 | 173,000 |
| Cardiovascular Diseases | 62% | 38,000 | 61,000 |
| Respiratory Diseases | 55% | 45,000 | 83,000 |
| Anxiety and Depression | 48% | 282,000 | 587,000 |
| Multiple Sclerosis and Neuropathic Diseases | 48% | 38,000 | 80,000 |
| Other Neurological Diseases | 36% | 35,000 | 97,000 |
| Cerebrovascular Disease | 34% | 19,000 | 56,000 |
| Cancer | 33% | 23,000 | 70,000 |
| Epilepsy | 30% | 11,000 | 36,000 |
| Psychotic Disorders | 23% | 26,000 | 112,000 |
| Cerebral Palsy and Neurological Muscular Diseases | 24% | 11,000 | 47,000 |
| ADHD/ADD | 19% | 14,000 | 75,000 |
| Autistic Spectrum Disorders | 6% | 13,000 | 206,000 |
| Learning Disabilities | 3% | 7,000 | 188,000 |
Conditions Impacted the Most
As shown, the health conditions most affected by the PIP cuts are back pain (79% of claimants set to lose out) and arthritis (77%).
These conditions represent some of the largest groups of claimants, totaling over 1 million individuals, with over 300,000 set to lose out on the support they currently receive.
Anxiety and Depression represent another major category, with 282,000 claimants out of 587,000 at risk of losing their benefits.
These conditions often involve significant mental health challenges, making it especially difficult for claimants to meet the new eligibility criteria.
Other Health Conditions at Risk
In addition to back pain, arthritis, and anxiety, other musculoskeletal and neurological diseases also see significant impact.
For example, chronic pain syndromes (68% loss) and multiple sclerosis (48%) are common among claimants likely to lose out, demonstrating the broader range of conditions affected.
What Does This Mean for Claimants?
The forthcoming changes to PIP eligibility are a significant concern for many individuals living with chronic health conditions. Nearly half of working-age PIP claimants may find their support significantly reduced or completely eliminated.
For people with long-term health conditions, the loss of these payments could lead to increased financial hardship, affecting their ability to pay for essential care or daily living costs.
What Can Claimants Do?
Claimants currently receiving PIP should prepare for the potential changes. Stay informed about eligibility requirements and consider seeking advice from charities or legal experts who specialize in welfare rights to understand the full impact of these changes.
Those who may lose out could benefit from exploring other forms of support, such as universal credit or other benefits available for individuals with disabilities or health conditions.
The DWP figures show that significant cuts are set to affect millions of claimants, particularly those with musculoskeletal and mental health conditions.
With the possibility of 370,000 claimants losing their PIP payments by 2030, it is crucial for individuals to stay informed about eligibility changes and explore available support options.
FAQs
When will the new PIP eligibility rules take effect?
The new rules are set to begin in November 2026. Claimants should be aware of the changes well in advance to ensure they are prepared.
Which health conditions are most at risk from PIP cuts?
The top conditions at risk include back pain, arthritis, chronic pain syndromes, and anxiety and depression.
What should PIP claimants do if they are affected by the cuts?
Claimants should seek expert advice and explore other potential forms of financial support if their eligibility is reduced.